1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE from North America

Summary:

Faults:

At 71000 mile I had to change the struts, since the last owner used to drive it like it was a bus. the starter was replaced at 90000 miles, and periodically I have to change the "stop" lights.

General Comments:

It is a great car, very reliable, but not that confortable for the passengers. If you are in the back and are taller than 5 9, then you will have a tough time enjoying your ride since the floor is higher than the front. GREAT IN SNOW!!! 4WD works like you are driving on a dry road. The only problem is the gas efficiency.

1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.3 litre from North America

Summary:

Faults:

On my third set of tires. Originals lasted 23,000. Second set were Pirelli Scorpion AT's and lasted 30,500. Third set are Bridgestone Revo's.

Timing belt, water pump were replaced at 53,400.

OEM Panasonic CD/radio was replaced four times by dealer. Once warranty lapsed, I bought an Alpine.

As our SE was manufactured in the first six months in production run, it has the adjustable shocks- sport and comfort. We've had problems with this system since new. The relays would always short. It had been back to the dealers five times before it was fixed properly. Currently, the strut on the right side is leaking. Dealer says they need to be replaced. Mucho dollars $$. Anyone put any aftermarket non-adjustable struts/shocks on? Details on how and what please. Dealer says this scenario is difficult because of mounting systems.

Exhaust has been replaced two times. Got fed up with warranty issues so I promptly put a stainless steel Borla on from cat back.

Coolant leaks have been a pain in the butt lately. We even have our SE dealer maintained regularily and religiously. Oil/filter changed evry 3000.

Pinging from engine on occasion. Currently running on octane 87 as per manual.

Brakes have been changed three times.

General Comments:

We have had this vehicle for almost 10 years now. Fortunately with all the stuff going on, it has not let us down except in the pocket book and unexpected garage down time.

The vehicle is great when we overlook the bad things and when it's running well. Comfortable.

The dealers are a bunch of cash grabbers. Who else are we supposed to go to? They are the "pros".

1996 Nissan Pathfinder XE 3.3 V6 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

On very cold and very windy days it sometimes won't start. This is a problem as these are the conditions I bought a 4 wheel drive for.

I did have a antifreeze hose that leaked, but this was not a big problem.

The factory radio never really worked. The CD player wouldn't play, the volume control doesn't work, and the memory presets are lost at least once a week.

The water pump failed at 97k miles.

The front brakes are a problem. I had the calipers rebuilt, but the still seem to stick.

General Comments:

The gas mileage is poor, which is sort of surprising considering that the horsepower is rather low.

I bought this pathfinder with no real options other than air conditioning. It has manual locks, manual transmission, and manual window cranks. So, there's really not a lot of accessories to go bad on this car.

While there have been some things that have been disappointing about this car, I've been overall satisfied with its dependability.